MIKE Tyson's sightseeing visit to York has been delivered another knock-out blow - by bosses at a major historical landmark.

Top attraction Clifford's Tower has announced that the former heavyweight boxing champion and his entourage will not be welcome there during his tour of the city because of safety concerns.

The Evening Press reported yesterday that Jorvik Viking Centre chiefs had snubbed Tyson's request for a visit next week, saying they "could not accommodate him".

York tourist guide Keith Mulhearn, who is arranging the itinerary for Tyson's visit, branded the snubs "disgraceful".

"I can't believe they are turning him away," he said.

"Everyone should accept that the visit will be good for tourism and good for the city."

Tyson superfan Andy Booker, 41, is organising the trip to York and hopes to take the fighter to lunch at a York pub.

Attractions confirmed for the visit include York Minster, Castle Museum and the Bar walls.

A spokesman for English Heritage, which manages the Clifford's Tower site, said: "If Mike Tyson arrives at Clifford's Tower, he will be treated as any other visitor. However, we do require all groups to be pre-booked so we can ensure the safety and quality of experience for other visitors.

"Given Mr Tyson's recent high profile in the media, we are very concerned that the number of people likely to be following him during his visit to York would be too high for this small site.

"Given its location on the top of the mound, and the fact that there is only one way in and out of Clifford's Tower, we considered that the health and safety risks to his personal entourage, and other followers, and indeed, members of the public visiting at the same time, would be too high.

"So we have declined his request to be part of his itinerary."

Ian Carlisle, museum manager at York Castle Museum, said: "We welcome everyone at York Castle Museum because it's a museum that touches everybody's lives.

"We get visitors from all walks of life. The Condemned Cell, where Dick Turpin spent his last night alive, is always a strong draw."

Updated: 10:49 Wednesday, November 16, 2005